London goes Latin!

Posted on June 25, 2012

The O2 arena will host London Goes Latin on July 15, with everything from a world record attempt to an appearance by celebrated New York dance team Descarga Latina.

Organised by Global Dance Card in association with The Latin Collective, this huge event offers masterclasses, showcases, parties and live bands. It will also host an attempt on the world record for Biggest Salsa Dance, raising funds and awareness for the charities Save the Children and Aspire, with £1 going to charity for every ticket sold.

There will be workshops for beginners, plus 80 masterclasses for more experienced dancers. There three live bands include London-based acts Salseology and Sexteto Café, while Grammy award-winning artist Larry Harlow will perform in concert, kicking off a grand salsa party on the vast dance floor.

Nelson Flores, one of the best-known salsa and hustle dancers in the world, will bring his team Descarga Latina, who have not performed in Europe since 2003. Other artists appearing include Ye Mambo and Sabor Y Fuego of Spain and many more. There will be Latino food, a cabana bar and the chance to buy dance shoes and outfits. It’s a family-friendly event, with classes for all ages and a dedicated entertainment area for children. Tickets start from £20, with a range of passes and prices available. See www.TheO2.co.uk for details.

Zoë was born in Edinburgh, and saw her first dance performances at the Festival there. She is the dance critic of The Independent, and has also written for The Independent on Sunday, The Scotsman and Dancing Times. In 2002, she received her doctorate from the University of York for a thesis on “Nationhood and epic romance: Ariosto, Sidney, Spenser”. She is the author of The Royal Ballet: 75 Years and The Ballet Lover’s Companion.